'Ian is survived by wife Caroline, and their four children Nina, Jarrod…,' she said before tearing up. '… Jake and Georgina.'

Karl then stepped in saying: 'He was a great man Frykers, a great friend of our show and great friend of Lisa's and mine and he will be sorely missed.'

Lisa gained her composure to continue her touching tribute.

Sorely missed: Frykberg passed away on Sunday aged 68 and is survived by his wife Caroline and four children

'A wonderful, wonderful man. And he had a big influence on us personally,' she said.

'He watched this show every day, sent us messages when we falling behind and when we were in front.'

Frykberg passed away at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney surrounded by his wife and four children.

Old friend: Karl Stefanovic described 'Frykers' as a good friend to both him and Lisa

He was regarded as 'one of the most powerful men in media and sport', working for the Sydney Morning Herald, at Channel Nine as head of sports and current affairs, as editor of The Bulletin and for Rupert Murdoch's BSkyB station in the UK.